Patrick Peterson: CB, Cardinals

When we think of the Arizona Cardinals, Patrick Peterson is not one of the first names to come to mind.

Then again, receiver Larry Fitzgerald does remain the heart and soul of the team.

Looking back on 2012, though, Arizona was constantly giving up sacks and simply not producing on offense. That lack of execution was so unbelievable, it led to Peterson and the defense going significantly overlooked.

Even with the offense's unreliability, Arizona ranks No. 3 in pass defense and allows only a 54.1 completion percentage. Peterson upped his totals from 2011 this season, as he has collected seven picks with 15 defended passes thus far.

In addition, the former LSU Tiger has logged 53 tackles to this point. Before we know it, Peterson will keep climbing the defensive back rankings as he continues to develop.

Geno Atkins: DT, Bengals

Secondly, Atkins can go underrated on the Bengals as Cincy is also represented by receiver A.J. Green. Interestingly enough, Green and Atkins were the only two Bengals selected to the Pro Bowl.

Having collected 50 tackles, 12.5 sacks and forcing four fumbles with Week 17 left, Atkins took his game to another level in 2012. And this came after a really solid performance in 2011.

The guy does everything for Cincy in the trenches, which has allowed the Bengals to rank No. 2 in sacks (47), No. 8 against the run and No. 6 in total defense. Factor in that Atkins works from the interior line and his numbers are off-the-charts impressive.

If there's one guy not receiving enough props for being a legit Defensive Player of the Year candidate, Atkins is that guy.

Earl Thomas: Safety, Seahawks

Earl Thomas is making his second straight Pro Bowl appearance for the Seattle Seahawks.

Still, it's easy to overlook the safety because of other stud defenders such as Brandon Browner, Richard Sherman and Chris Clemons.

Include the Seahawks offense with Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch and that adds to a reduction in Thomas' recognition. Plus, the safety position can be shunned unless a guy such as Ed Reed is mentioned.

He remains the current standard.

At the same time, Thomas is gradually encompassing that as well. He's only 23 years old and has compiled 63 tackles, three picks, nine defended passes and one touchdown thus far in 2012.

Thomas' elite consistency stands out the most, because his presence back deep allows for Sherman and Co. more playmaking opportunities. In short, Thomas steps up to the task when challenged downfield.